Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Protecting Plants, Trees and Shrubs During the Winter Season:

With the winter season around the corner, homeowners should be thinking about how to best protect their plants, trees and shrubs from snow, ice, winds and winter temperatures. Taking steps to "winterproof" lawns and landscapes will help to minimize potential damage and get the landscape ready for the spring season.

1. Mulch Trees, Plants and Shrubs.
Mulch around trees, plants and shrubs to add extra protection for winter. Mulching is an important control for erosion and loss of water and a 2-inch layer of mulch will reduce water loss and help maintain uniform soil temperature around the roots.

2. Keep Plants Well-Hydrated.
Evergreen plants continue to transpire, or lose water through their leaves, even in the winter. Plants kept well-hydrated until a hard freeze, have a better chance for survival.

3. Protect Evergreens, Plants and Trees.
Use antitranspirants which are applied to plants and trees to help reduce water loss from plant leaves (similar to sweating.) (Antitranspirants may be purchased at a local home improvement store.) Burlap wrapping may also be used to shield valuable evergreens from salt spray and winter winds. Tie branches together that may be susceptible to snow loads. For advice on how to protect plants from winter weather, consult a landscape or tree care professional.

4. Cut Grass Shorter.
Although during the growing season lawns should be cut to 3 inches to 3.5 inches, the final lawn cutting should be 2 inches to 2.5 inches.

5. Watch Out for Winter Warm Spells.
If plants are covered with burlap or other wrappings, consider ventilating them during the day and re-covering them at night.

6. Use Care when Shoveling, Plowing or Blowing Snow.
Place posts with reflectors next to plants so they are well-marked; then snow won’t be shoveled on top of the plants. Consider clearing snow away from walks, driveways with a shovel or snow-blower instead – it will reduce the amount of de-icing products needed.

7. Remove Broken Limbs.
If a limb breaks due to snow, ice and wind, have it removed as soon as weather permits; it will help the tree or shrub heal better as the warmer temperatures approach. Damaged trees are more prone to disease.

8. Never Shake Branches.
Homeowners should gently brush off snow. Shaking the limbs may break them. Use hands to scoop the snow away from plants to protect them from settling snow.

9. Prune Most Plants in Winter.
The late dormant season is best for most pruning in many regions. Pruning in late winter, before spring growth begins, leaves fresh wounds exposed for only a short amount of time before new growth begins.

10. Minimize Salt Damage.
Salt and melting agents for snow and ice can damage plants and trees by drawing water away from their roots. Get rid of extra salt by flushing the soil out with plenty of water.

By following these tips you can help your landscape really shine come spring.
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(This article originally appeared in Condo Management magazine. Used by permission of PLANET)

About NALP: NALP is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. NALP members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices and business professionalism. Many of NALP’s professionals have attained the status of becoming Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the greatest level of industry expertise and knowledge. Visit NALP at www.landscapeprofessionals.org.